REMARKS AT CECC SICA MEETING

May 26, 2023

Good morning,

I am happy to join you all at this important meeting of the Council of Ministers of Culture of CECC/SICA here in Belize. Welcome.

Bienvenidos a todos y todas. Your work in education and culture continues to have transformative impacts on our people. Through your efforts we are together championing the pursuit of Quality Education, which is a part of the Sustainable Development Goals, goal number 4 to be exact which is to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

I commend you on the five priority areas of focus, specifically: the Emergency Curriculum to address the adverse effects of the Covid pandemic; the need to develop skills as a way to empower our students to become active and positive contributors to our sustainable human development as global citizens; the incorporation of STEM education as an integral part of all of our children’s education; the funding of school feeding programs to support our vulnerable children and improve their productive attendance in class; and the emphasis on quality teacher training to elevate the competencies of our educators. In culture, you have worked diligently to promote the welfare of our indigenous and afro-descendant peoples, and is our creatives, to secure respect for their invaluable contributions to the sustainable human development of our region.

You have also made it a high priority to protect and preserve our cultural and archaeological treasures, including our indigenous languages, that embody our history and our identity as Central American and Caribbean peoples.

Now you are also valuing the artistic and creative contributions of our women in these various cultural spheres with the aim of finally achieving gender balance and gender equality. Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are glad you are able to join us; to share values of quality education and cultural promotion which are essential to the welfare of our peoples.

I wish you all every success in your deliberations, and in the future work of the CECC.

El trabajo de la Coordinación Educativa y Cultural Centroamericana (CECC) es de suma importancia para el desarrollo sostenible humano de nuestros hermanos países. Deseo Que desfruten de la hospitalidad caloroso y humilde de nuestro pueblo, y estén seguros que ustedes están en casa.

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!